Actor Fund

We engage creative solutions that help us to compensate all artists for their participation.

The LFT ACTOR FUND is an ongoing fund that helps us EXPAND the diversity of our artistic collective, inspir­ing MORE projects, resulting in even STRONGER productions while financially supporting the work of ARTISTS!

IN 2015, LFT was awarded $3250/yr from the LA County Arts Commission to support our ACTOR FUND for the first 2 years! This is the first time that the LACAC had provided support to Little Fish Theatre for its creative artists.

While this is great news, and we’re grateful for the funding, the grant was 27% of our original request, putting us behind in overall support by $8,750. We were able to make up the difference through individual support via the ACTOR FUND.

Each new year we must jumpstart that campaign again to fill the fund for the new season.

PLEASE JOIN the ACTOR FUND TODAY. A recurring gift of $25/mo (100% tax deductible) is all it takes for YOU to join this elite group of supporters and become a true patron of the arts. (Full Year $300 gifts also gratefully accepted.)

ACTOR FUND recurring gift support has been tremendous. As of April 10, 2017, we are 8 Actor Fund Recurring Gifts away from reaching the $22,200 needed to fulfill Actor contracts for 94 actors in 10 productions and 7 special events for 2017.

How the money is used:Thanks to the ACTOR FUND, all actors are now being supported at the rate of $25 per performance, plus a rehearsal stipend of $125. Typically, $400 per artist for 10 weeks of work. This is making a big difference in our ability to attract and support Company Members and other artists coming from all over LA and Orange County to perform with us in San Pedro! For the first time in our 14 year history, the ACTOR FUND is making it possible for LFT to reward all actors (Company Member or otherwise) for their participation. 100% of the money raised is paying exclusively for the artists on our stage.

At just $25 per month you can help LFT to fulfill actor contracts for 94 actors in the 10 productions and 7 special events we have planned for 2017.

The Actor Fund is not a one-time campaign. We will depend on the continuing support of the ACTOR FUND to be able to sustain this level of equality in our productions where ALL actors (union and non-union) are paid for their participation.

PERKS for Joining the ACTOR FUNDFull Year Members of the ACTOR FUND receive: special acknowledgement in our production programs, complimentary admission to the annual Season Launch Party, invitation to ACTOR FUND Mixers and admission to Actor Fund Staged Readings.

Only Actors who are union members of ACTORS EQUITY ASSOCIATION and SAG/AFTRA receive a stipend of $11-$15 per show. A large number of our Company Members and performers work non-union and receive no payment for their work.

Why are we changing our model for paying artists?Performing artists are essential contributors to any production. Union or non-union, Company Members or new players, ALL artists deserve to be compensated for their contribution to the collective enterprise.

Ten years ago, we signed to the Actors’ Equity 99-Seat Waiver contract as the first investment in expanding our talent pool and valuing artists. After 10 years, it is time to make the next investment in our artists.

The AEA minimum rate is not enough. It was established upon an outdated estimation of the costs for artists to travel within LA County. Gas prices and cost of living increases mean even those minimums, $11-$15, are unrealistic today.

We believe that if actors are compensated fairly, in relation to the fees paid to other participants, artistically there will be a change for LFT. More artists will result in more diversity, which will inspire more projects and ensure even better productions.

Moving forward, we will invest in that belief, providing all our artists not only a space to embrace art making, but also financial support for their efforts, and give our community of supporters the opportunity to see the direct impact of their sponsorship.

Mission of our Little Fish Theatre
To present quality productions year-round, drawing material from the wealth of new, contemporary and classic plays that lend themselves to an intimate performance space. We aim to provide provocative, stimulating theatrical entertainment, while providing a nurturing environment for theatre artists and an inviting nexus for local and visiting audiences to our venue in the San Pedro/LA Waterfront Arts District.